Knob and Tube Wiring A Dangerous Relic From The Past
| The old knob n tube system was originally designed to carry modest currents. Back in the
30's, 40's, and 50's, when they were installed , the most common need for electricity was
for lighting circuits. Today, the electrical demands for the average family are considerably
greater. More items such as microwaves , air conditioners toasters, etc.., will be plugged
into the outlets drawing more electricity. Usually, the needed current is greater than what the
knob-n-tube wiring was designed for. When you overload this old wiring, it becomes a very
significant fire hazard and is one of the leading reasons that knob-n-tube wiring should be
replaced in a lot of homes. |
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If you find knob-and tube-wiring, check the terms and conditions of your homeowner's
insurance policy to determine if you are covered; your policy may specifically exclude
knob-and-tube wiring. A number of insurance companies drop fire insurance if there is any
such wiring in the house, mainly because of the deterioration of the electrical system as a
whole.
| No Ground Wire |
Fire Hazard |
Unsafe |
Knob & tube wiring does not provide a third wire for grounding and is therefore considered unsafe in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoors.
Don't risk your home
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Hydro inspections usually require all exposed knob & tube wiring to be replaced using approved permanent wiring to eliminate fire hazards
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old insulation on wires is often degraded sometimes to the point of complete failure.If the insulation is brittle, the wiring is unsafe and should be replaced |
Athena Electric Specializes in Knob And Tube Replacement, For more information
on any of your homes electrical needs call us today!
Vicky Campbell (905) 903-6780 (416) 419-9583
Proudly Serving The Ajax, Durham, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby and Greater Toronto Areas
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| Scorched Wood |
| This photo shows both knobs and tubes and a splice that appears to have overheated due to circuit overload
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| Burning Wire |
| A deadly and serious disaster in action,old overloaded wiring that has literally ignited!
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| A Bad Idea |
| Improperly layed insulation over this knob and tube wiring
increases the likely hood of an electrical fire
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